Torrington planning and zoning approves athletic field upgrade plans

Torrington’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved Gale Associates Inc.’s proposed site plan to upgrade the high school’s athletic facilities, with the focus on reconstructing the existing track and field stadium.

Roise presented Gale’s site plan for the high school, which included reconstruction of the existing track and field stadium—including a new running track, artificial turf on the interior field, replacing the bleachers and press box, adding new visitor bleachers, replacing the lights and controls on the existing light poles and working on other associated walkways and amenities.

The project is being funded by a $2.7 million state grant that was secured by state Rep. Michelle Cook.

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“The idea is to improve the track,” Roise said. “Because of the narrow layout of the existing track, you can’t get a full-size soccer field.”

To allow for that change, the new track will be expanded into an eight-lane, all-weather surface track, which allows the school to start hosting meets and championships. The inner field surrounded by the track will also change from grass to artificial turf, reducing the amount of upkeep needed on the field.

“[With] improving the facility, artificial turf takes some of the pressure off the natural turf fields,” Roise said. “[You can] use it constantly without having to worry about maintenance.”

Other changes Roise presented were replacing the existing bleachers to make them handicap accessible. As of right now, there are no handicap decks, seating or ramps and the bleachers are also lacking in other safety code regulations that will addressed with the new construction.

The new bleachers will seat 720 according to the base plan, but there are alternates which allow for them to be expanded to seat 970. The visitor bleachers will seat 270. Roise said the bleachers will be designed so people can walk underneath them so as not to block access to the other athletic fields. In the same vein, the press box will also be replaced.

Roise said his company doesn’t plan to replace the light poles, but will replace the lighting and controls on them. He said one of the main points of the project the city is concerned about is entry into the facility. To work on that fencing and gates will be positioned so there is a clear vantage point where the track entrance is located. To accommodate a bus drop-off, a few parking spaces will be lost in the renovation.

To prevent spectators from sneaking into the track or running onto it during events, six feet of additional fencing will be placed around the outside of the track. This allows the option of closing off the gate during events so admission tickets can be charged without people sneaking in for free. Four foot fencing will be put around the perimeter to keep spectators off the field during events.

Connor called for the approval of the site plan with three recommendations—to address the comments of the city engineer since significant work from the project will be in the area of the existing sanitary sewer line, to complete a sewer discharge permit and to follow the advice of the fire chief who requested a padlock on the gate that members of the fire department will be able to open with their key in case of an emergency. Fire Chief Gary Brunoli also requested that there be an access point to the fields for a four wheel vehicle in case of an emergency situation on the fields.

Roise said work will begin on the project on May 7 and completion is scheduled for Sept. 9.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Ed Arum was an employee of Gale Associates. He is actually the chairman of the city’s Turf Committee.